Frequently Asked Questions

When will I know if my property will be taken?

Right-of-way negotiations and the process involved with acquiring the property for the proposed Route 22 is being advanced as soon as design plans are completed. Please refer to the project schedule for each respective section of Route 22 to find out when property is expected to begin to be acquired.

The Department of Transportation has been advancing a section of Route 22 in Westmoreland County to construction each year since 1993. The current project schedule will provide for a completely reconstructed Route 22 in Westmoreland County in 2010.

In 1992 the Department of Transportation conducted a Needs Analysis for Route 22 in Westmoreland County. The analysis indicated that improvements to Route 22 are needed to address safety, traffic congestion, and in order to provide a consistent arterial highway from Pittsburgh to Central Pennsylvania (i.e. Hollidaysburg/Altoona). The project needs were based upon poor sight distance, high accident rates, numerous left turns and the problems associated with Route 22 consisting of a varying two to four lane highway in western Pennsylvania. A Congestion Management System (CMS) analysis was conducted to determine if any measures could be implemented to reduce the need to complete the proposed single occupant vehicle project for Route 22. The results of the CMS study concluded that the proposed project is needed and that several design measures could be included to enhance mass transit use (i.e. park and ride lots). Therefore, several park and ride lots have been included in the Route 22 project corridor.

Is upgrading Route 22 the only way to improve the highway?

Upgrading Route 22 will meet the project needs and provide a modern highway that will satisfactorily serve the project area through the design year (2025). Stringent state and federal environmental regulations and funding limitations make relocating Route 22 less feasible.

Every effort will be made to minimize the number of signalized intersections. Signal lights are provided to allow for safe access to/from Route 22. If Route 22 were constructed as a limited access highway, every driveway and side street would be closed off and relocated. Fiscal constraints have limited the improvement options to upgrades of the existing highway and the improvements will meet the project needs.

What will the new Route 22 look like?

The proposed Route 22 will look very similar to the completed sections of Route 22 east of Delmont and near New Alexandria.

The Department of Transportation has a formal Relocation Assistance Program to ensure that any displaced persons relocated as a part of the highway construction project receive all of the assistance and payments entitled to them by law. Information concerning relocation procedures are available by contacting the project manager at Engineering District 12-0. A right-of-way field office will be located in the project area during the property acquisition phase of each construction section of Route 22.